Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation

• Patient history and physical is the most important part of any evaluation.
• An anemia is a symptom, not a disease. 
• There is always an underlying cause for an anemia.
• Size, shape and average width (RDW) of the RBCs will help group the anemia.
• Retic count is one of the most important lab tests you can get.
• High values tell you there is rapid turnover.
• Low values tell you the bone marrow can't produce the RBCs.
• The occult blood test must be interpreted carefully.
• It reflects both upper and lower GI bleeding.
• There are both false negatives and positives.
• Sophisticated tests, such as the CEA, have their limitations.
• You can't know it all. Be sure to use the resources available to you. 
• Although only indirectly referred to, I hope it is evident that the physician is part of a team. Nurses, laboratory personnel and others play a vital role in the outcome of a patient's recovery. Don't be a jerk.